Bowman's Bus Services was an Australian bus company in Adelaide.
History In April 1935, David Bowman commenced operating a weekly bus service from Hope Valley to the Adelaide central business district via Peserverance Road. The service quickly expanded to become twice daily. From circa 1937, a second service commenced from Tea Tree Gully to One Tree Hill.Bowman's Bus Services Australian Bus issue 65 September 2014 pages 10-19
A second service from Tea Tree Gully to Adelaide via North East Road later commenced. Following David Bowman's passing in 1967, it passed to his sons, Jack and Milton.
By the early 1970s, Bowman's had expanded to operate nine routes: 540: One Tree Hill to Adelaide central business district 541: Fairview Park to Adelaide central business district 542: Tea Tree Gully to Adelaide central business district 543: Redwood Park to Adelaide central business district 544: Westfield Tea Tree Plaza to Modbury Heights 550: St Agnes to Adelaide central business district 551: St Agnes to Adelaide central business district 560: Tea Tree Gully to Elizabeth 561: Tea Tree Gully to Salisbury
In early 1974, Bowman's became an AAT Kings contractor.AAT begins national tour operations Truck & Bus Transportation June 1974 page 114
With falling revenues and rising costs, on 11 February 1974 the routes of Bowman's, along with those of 11 other operators, were taken over by the Municipal Tramways Trust.Private buses in Adelaide taken over by SA Government in $4 million deal Truck & Bus Transportation March 1974 page 114Trust Assumes Control of Licenced Services Among Ourselves issue 168 April 1974 page 4Bowman's Bus Services of Adelaide's North East Australian Bus Panorama December 2022 pages 45-54
Fleet Up until the late 1950s, the fleet had primarily consisted of front-engined Fords. In 1959, the first of 15 Commers was delivered. These were followed by Bedford SBs and Hino RC320Ps. When operations ceased in February 1974, the fleet consisted of 36 buses and six coaches. All passed to the Municipal Tramways Trust.
Depots In 1970, Bowman's opened a new all under cover depot on 3.25 acres on the corner of North East and Tolley roads, St Agnes replacing depots in Hope Valley and North Adelaide.Depot designed for future expansion Truck & Bus Transportation July 1970 pages 98/99 Having been rebuilt in 1980 and 1989, the depot remains in use with Torrens Transit.St Agnes Depot Re-commissioned Among Ourselves issue 207 October 1980 page 5St Agnes Depot Transit Australia January 1989 page 18St Agnes Depot Torrens Transit
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